Original Source: www.tuftsdaily.com
On September 29, 2022, Daw Khin, a 57-year-old woman, returned to her home in eastern Karenni State after fleeing military assaults by Myanmar’s junta, the Tatmadaw. As she cleaned her damaged house, she inadvertently triggered a landmine placed near her outdoor toilet, highlighting the grim reality for landmine survivors in Myanmar. Their harrowing tales reveal the devastating aftermath of such encounters, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by these indiscriminate weapons.
In 2024, the peril of landmines persists in Myanmar, claiming innocent lives daily. Anti-personnel mines, specifically designed to target individuals, are especially dangerous due to their sensitivity. Tragically, reports indicate the military employs civilians as unwitting “guides” through perilous minefields, illustrating the cruelty of this conflict.
The Ottawa Convention, which prohibits anti-personnel mines, boasts 133 signatory nations. However, the Tatmadaw, unbound by this legislation, faces no recognized restrictions on its production and use of these lethal devices. Consequently, civilians in nearly half of Myanmar’s townships are at risk of injury or death from these horrific tools of war.
Member states of the Mine Ban Treaty must intensify their response not only towards the Tatmadaw but to other non-compliant nations like the U.S., China, and Russia. Observing the Mine Ban Treaty’s Fifth Review Conference, it was troubling to note the absence of direct references to Myanmar’s crisis, despite urgent calls for ambitious goals to achieve a mine-free world from leaders like Gilles Carbonnier of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Globally, it is imperative to strive for a future devoid of landmines. This may require signatories to find innovative ways to influence non-state actors and for neighboring countries, particularly China, to curb the junta’s reckless landmine deployment. The use of anti-personnel mines by the Tatmadaw represents a significant humanitarian offense, affecting civilians deeply, and the threat of these mines will linger long after the conflict subsides.
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has led to the widespread deployment of anti-personnel mines by the Tatmadaw, significantly impacting civilian populations. Despite the Ottawa Convention prohibiting their usage, the Tatmadaw remains unbound by such treaties, exacerbating the situation. The international community, particularly signatories to the Mine Ban Treaty, face the challenge of addressing this egregious violation of human rights, and the continuing threat posed by landmines remains a pressing concern in the region.
The misuse of anti-personnel mines by Myanmar’s Tatmadaw is a grave humanitarian crisis that warrants urgent international attention. The ongoing impact on civilians, coupled with the lack of legal restrictions on these weapons, calls for a concerted effort from the global community to eliminate the threat. As the fight against landmines continues, it is crucial that member states take action to create a safer, mine-free future for all, emphasizing the necessity of enforcing international humanitarian principles.
